Blue Mountain, Miss. — In a gritty and closely contested SSAC women’s basketball game, Life University edged Blue Mountain Christian 61-57 at Tyler Gymnasium. Both teams battled through momentum swings and lead changes, trading baskets and defensive stops in a game that featured numerous shifts in control before the visiting team pulled ahead late.
The Toppers set the tone early, opening with a spirited offensive effort and attacking with confidence on both ends of the floor. Blue Mountain Christian found early success pushing the pace and establishing rhythm in the half court, using balanced scoring to stay in front through stretches of the first quarter.
Life responded with timely shots, keeping the game close as the teams exchanged runs throughout the first half. Blue Mountain Christian continued fighting possession by possession, refusing to let the visitors create separation. The Toppers’ defensive pressure helped limit clean looks and kept the score within reach heading into the second half.
The game remained a back-and-forth battle into the final quarter. Maddie Kirk led Blue Mountain Christian offensively with 17 points and added seven rebounds. Rebecca Walter contributed 13 points and six rebounds, while McKenzie Williams scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds off the bench. Isabella Carlson added six points and four assists to facilitate the offense.
Blue Mountain Christian shot 45.3% from the field and was 85.7% at the free-throw line. A final push in the closing minutes trimmed the margin, but Life University answered with clutch free throws and defensive stops to secure the four-point victory. The Toppers will visit Welch College in Nashville on Tuesday.
